Thieves Versus Twitter

I stared at my bank balance in horror. It was around Christmas, and thieves had skimmed the entire balance from my bank account. I was furious and also pretty worried. My bank assured me that the money would be returned. I just had to wait. So I waited. And I waited. After a week had passed I went back to my branch, who told me to wait a few more weeks. I was tired of waiting.

With the help of a wise, media-savvy friend, we took to Twitter. Through the power of social media, we Tweeted for over an hour about my experience, until finally the bank grew tired of the stream of Tweets, relented and returned the money to my account immediately. As prayers of thanksgiving poured past my lips, the parable of the persistent widow came into my mind.

The bank didn’t just relent because I was upset. They gave me my money back because I was relentless. I was serious. They had tried to give me the brush off and quickly realized I wasn’t going to back down.

I wonder if that’s some of what Jesus is getting at here in this parable. Through our prayers, we show God how serious we are in our pursuit of what’s just and right. Our prayers are a reflection of our character and our passion. They also shape our character, strengthen us as people and attune us to listening for his voice. So keep praying. God is listening.

Respond in Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you that you hear our prayers and for wanting us to come to you with our petitions. Help us not to grow weary as we wait for a response, and to never give up on seeking your action in our lives and in our world. Amen.

Mags Storey

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).